Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual

Since 1997 there have been significant legislative advances in Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) equality.  We have seen an equal age of consent, repeal of Section 28, adoption rights, equal rights in immigration law, anti-homophobic hate crime laws, housing rights, outlawing of workplace discrimination, pension rights and civil partnerships.

There has also been a wider acceptance of LGB individuals and relationships in wider society.  In the media, portrayal of LGB people as perverted and deviant which was common until only a few years ago, are now happily an exception rather than the norm.  
However, we know that equality legislation itself is not enough.  Regardless of what the law says, LGB people still face discrimination and harassment in their local communities and at work.

Legislation

In February, the Equality Act (2006) was passed by Parliament.   The Act gives the Government powers to introduce regulations outlawing discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in regards to access to goods, facilities and services (GFS).  This means that service providers from hotels to GPs, shops to local authorities cannot refuse to serve LGB people or offer them a service of lesser quality than that provided to heterosexuals.  The SouthWest LGB Network held a regional consultation event on 25th May.   Read ESW response to Government GFS response. ESW.

The regulations are due to come into force in April 2007.  For more information, see the TUC briefing and visit Women and Equality Unit.

In December 2005, civil partnerships for same sex couples became a reality.  Once they have entered into a civil partnership, same – sex couple have the same legal rights and responsibilities as married straight couples.  For more information, read the Civil Partnership booklet. 

Since 2003, LGB workers have had legal protection from discrimination at work.  For more information, read the Sexual Orientation and the Workplace Guide.

Regional

The LGB sector in the South West is thriving with a range of political, campaigning, youth and social groups active across the region.  Many of them are members of the South West LGB Network which allows them to work together to ensure that the needs of LGB people are not ignored and that equality campaigns are more effective.   

For latest information in the South West go to our networks (age, disability, gender, race, faith and sexual orientation).